'Yes You Can!' Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation for the Tracheostomy and Ventilator Patient

"Pulmonary rehab" is commonly associated with stable outpatients, for example COPD patients who come to the hospital 3 days per week for therapy. However, current research is showing that early ambulation for the critical care inpatient has many benefits as well, including decreasing ICU length of stay by as much as 30%. In this webinar, clinicians will learn how a comprehensive team approach and pulmonary rehabilitation with early mobilization and exercise can impact length of stay, functional outcomes and quality of life for tracheostomy and ventilator patients. The role of the Passy-Muir® Valve in early mobilization will be discussed as it relates to the restoration of a closed respiratory system and positive intra-thoracic pressure for postural control, extremity force and utilization of treatment strategies that require expiratory airflow through the mouth. A case study by the rehabilitation team of Kindred Hospital Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre, PA will be presented highlighting these concepts and their successful outcomes including a 13% improved weaning rate after just over one year of implementation.

Explain the physiology of cardiopulmonary rehab (i.e. oxygen transport), and list the goals & benefits of earlier intervention for the tracheostomy & ventilator patient by a multidisciplinary team.